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    • What is the difference between a heat warning and a heat alert?
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    What is the difference between a heat warning and a heat alert?

    Vaseline Posted on

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    Milwaukee County is under a heat warning today and an extreme heat warning tomorrow. Temperatures could reach over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with possible temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Meanwhile, other southern Wisconsin counties are under extreme heat warnings today.

    As you can probably guess, all of these terms mean that it’s going to be pretty warm in Wisconsin this week. But what’s the difference between these warm weather terms?

    You need to know this.

    Prediction: Milwaukee and southern Wisconsin are expected to see temperatures between 100 and 110 degrees this week

    What is a heat warning?

    The National Weather Service is responsible for issuing heat advisories and extreme heat warnings and watches. According to the NWS, a heat advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of “extremely dangerous” heat conditions where the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 100 degrees or higher for at least two days, and nighttime air temperatures will not fall below 75 degrees.

    The criteria for heat warnings vary across the country, particularly in areas that are not used to dangerous heat conditions, NWS says. According to ReadyWisconsin, a heat warning is issued in Wisconsin when the daytime heat index is between 100 and 104 degrees; a heat warning is also issued in the state when the heat index is between 95 and 99 degrees for four consecutive days.

    What is an extreme heat warning? Is it worse than a heat warning?

    An extreme heat warning is issued when conditions are more extreme than a heat advisory. According to the NWS, an extreme heat warning is issued within 12 hours of “extremely dangerous” heat conditions where the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105 degrees or higher for at least two days and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75 degrees.

    In Wisconsin, an extreme heat warning is also issued if temperatures are between 100 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit for four consecutive days.

    What is an extreme heat warning?

    An extreme heat warning is issued when conditions are favorable for an extreme heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours. A warning is issued when the risk of a heat wave has increased, but its occurrence and timing are still uncertain, NWS said. People are encouraged to prepare for extreme heat while a warning is in effect.

    What does ‘heat index’ mean?

    Heat index is a measurement of how temperature feels to the human body. It takes into account relative humidity in combination with air temperature.

    • When temperatures are between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius, you are likely to feel tired the longer you spend outdoors and/or being physically active.
    • When the heat index is between 32 and 40 degrees Celsius, the longer you spend outdoors and/or being physically active, the greater your risk of heat stroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion.
    • A heat index of 103 to 124 degrees is in the “danger zone,” according to the National Weather Service. Heat cramps or heat exhaustion are likely, and heat stroke is possible the longer you are outside and/or active.
    • A heat index of over 125 degrees, rare in Wisconsin, falls into the extremely dangerous category. Heat stroke is very likely if you are exposed.

    Hot Weather Safety Tips

    Hot weather can cause heat-related illness and even death. The Milwaukee Health Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer these hot weather safety tips:

    • Take it easy and limit your physical activity.
    • Spend time in air-conditioned areas such as shopping malls, movie theaters, or libraries.
    • Do not leave children or pets in a parked car. Temperatures can become life-threatening within minutes.
    • Wear light, loose and light-colored clothing.
    • Take cool baths or showers. Use wet towels on your skin to cool down.
    • Do not rely on fans as the primary cooling equipment.
    • Drink enough water.
    • Avoid consuming caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as these may enhance the warming effect.

    Wisconsin Weather Warnings

    Vaseline
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